Mental Health Issues on Campus

Sometimes the transition to college can be more than just stressful; it can trigger serious mental health issues. Below, please read about some of the mental health issues that can be common during the college years.Remember, the University of Oregon has many resources available to students; we are here to help.

Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety affects our whole being. It affects how we feel, how we behave and has very real physical symptoms. It feels a bit like fear but whereas we know what we are frightened of, we often don’tknow what we are anxious about. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling - severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. We can also make ourselves anxious with “negative self-talk” – a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen.

How Will I Recognize If My Student Is Anxious?

As well as feeling apprehensive and worried (possibly without knowing why), your student may experience some of the following physical symptoms:

Tense Muscles

Trembling

Churning Stomach

Nausea

Numbness or “Pins & Needles”in arms, hands or legs,

Headache

Backache

Heart palpitations

Sweating/flushing

It is easy to mistake symptoms of anxiety for physical illness and for the person to become worried that they might be suffering a heart attack or stroke. This, of course, increases anxiety.

When is Anxiety a Problem?

We all become anxious from time to time. It becomes a problem when it interferes with life in the absence of real threat, or goes on too long after the danger has past. Have your student contact the Counseling Center if you suspect that anxiety is interfering with their academic success.

Depression

What Is Depression?

Everyone feels down at times. The breakup of a relationship or a poor evaluation in class can lead to low spirits. Sometimes sadness comes on for no apparent reason. Is there any difference between these shifting moods and what is called depression? Anyone who has experienced an episode of depression would probably answer yes. The duration and depth of despondency and the presence of characteristic symptoms helps distinguish depression from ordinary unhappiness. This is important, because in severe cases depression can be life threatening. Suicide is a possible outcome. Depressed individuals may also fail to live up to their potential, may be doing poorly in school and are staying on the social margin. Depression is frequently ignored or untreated; the condition often prevents people from taking steps to help themselves. This is unfortunate, as effective help is available.

Signs of Depression

Anyone who feels down nearly every day for weeks or months may be clinically depressed. Depressed individuals may experience:

Loss of pleasure in virtually all activities

Feelings of fatigue or lack of energy

Frequent tearfulness

Difficulty with concentration or memory

A change in sleep pattern, with either too much sleep or too little. Some depressed people wake up often in the night and do not feel rested the next day

An increase or decrease in appetite, with a corresponding change in weight.

Markedly diminished interest in sex.

Feelings of worthlessness and self blame.

Exaggerated feelings of guilt.

In some cases, very unrealistic ideas and worries, for instance, the belief that one has a terminal illness or is being pursued for a past crime.

Hopelessness about the future.

Thoughts of suicide.

What Treatments Are Available?

Friends and family may provide all the support that is needed in mild cases of depression. Someone who is willing to listen and ask concerned questions can make all the difference. However, even the most caring and patient companions can find themselves frustrated when depression is more severe. It is important to seek professional help before the symptoms worsen or the behavior leads to serious consequences. Mental health professionals who may be consulted include:

psychiatrists

clinical psychologists

other psychotherapists.

Some turn first to general physicians or religious counselors. While each specialty has its own perspective and expertise, it should be remembered that practitioners of all kinds have experience in dealing with depression, and can refer to others when necessary. Some moderate and most severe depressions respond to anti-depressant medications. These are prescribed by a physician, generally a psychiatrist, after a thorough evaluation. There is usually a positive effect in a few weeks. Some types of depression require special medication, for instance:

Individuals with manic-depressive illness often do well on lithium.

Taking medicine does not preclude other forms of treatment.

Individual psychotherapy, alone or in combination with medicine, is often beneficial.

Insight-oriented psychotherapy aims to bring underlying conflicts, drives, and identifications into awareness, in the hope that increased understanding will lead to more options and a better sense of self.

Other therapies have the goals of changing negative ways of thinking, or overcoming isolation by developing interpersonal skills.

Group therapy has been shown to be effective in helping those who have difficulty forming relationships.

Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. Each year in the U.S., approximately five thousand individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 take their own life. A major cause of suicide is mental illness, very commonly depression. Others who are not suffering from depression are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out. Most of those who die could have been helped. An individual considering suicide frequently confides in a friend, who may be able to convince the person to seek treatment. When the risk is high, concerned friends and relatives should seek professional guidance.

How Can You Tell if Suicide Is a Possibility?

While suicide is very hard to predict, there are some reliable indicators of risk:

Those who are seriously depressed are quite likely to have thoughts of suicide.

Other emotional illnesses such as severe anxiety or confusion can lead to the idea that "life is not worth living."

Preparations for death, such as giving away possessions or acquiring a gun, are cause for great concern.

A sudden lift in spirits in a depressed person can mean a decision has been reached that will "end the misery."

Some Misconceptions About Suicide

“People Who Talk About it Seldom Do it.”The truth is that few individuals are single-minded in their decision for death; many are asking for help even as they approach the final act. Suicide threats should always be taken seriously.

“People Who Really Want to Kill Themselves Are Beyond Help.”Fortunately, this is not the case. Suicidal impulses may be intense but short-lived. The majority of individuals who are suicidal, even for extended periods, recover. All can benefit from treatment.

“Suicide is a Purely Personal Decision.”
This argument is sometimes used to justify a "hands-off" attitude. It is a misconception because suicide always affects others. The dismissal is unfair to those who are struggling with suicidal impulses and need help in choosing to live.

“Asking About Suicide Can Put the Idea in Someone’s Mind”
The idea of suicide does not originate this way. Suicidal individuals are engaged in a private struggle with thoughts of death. Talking about the possibility of suicide can alleviate the loneliness of the struggle, and can be a first step in obtaining help.

How Can You Help a Depressed or Suicidal Person?

It is useful to listen in a manner that shows appreciation of the person's difficulties. This does not mean entering into the despair; an attitude of careful optimism is appropriate. Depressed individuals are very often wrapped up in their own concerns; advice should be simple and practical, and may have to be repeated. When there is a threat or real possibility of suicide, it is important to stay close to the individual until professional help is obtained.

Change can be slow. Putting out energy and getting no response can be frustrating. People in a helping role should try to make sure their own needs are being met. Too high a level of frustration can lead to anger and a sudden decision to withdraw. It is a good idea to seek assistance well before this point is reached.

Suicidal individuals often try to convince others that the "worst" thing would be to let anyone know of their plight. Friends or family put in this position should consider the possible consequences of failing to obtain professional help. It is a sign of caring to bring a person to treatment that may alleviate suffering and save a life.

As a parent, you can strongly suggest that your student seek help at the Counseling & Testing Center or you can contact the Dean of Students Office directly, with your concerns.

Eating Disorders

Eating patterns of people with eating problems can cause serious medical complications. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two serious eating disorders which frequently affect college students. Early recognition and referral for treatment will improve chances for full recovery. Anorexia nervosa is a pattern of self-imposed starvation. Eating disorders can be recognized by the following behavioral, emotional and physical symptoms:

Behavioral

Unusual eating habits -- preoccupation with food and dieting

Excessive physical activity -- with the goal of burning calories

Withdrawal from friends and family because of focus on weight loss

Overuse of laxatives to lose weight

Emotional

Lack of self esteem, depression, thoughts about suicide

Denial of an underweight condition and the desire to still lose more weight

Physical

Extreme weight loss

Absence of menstruation

Cavities and gum disease

Extreme sensitivity to cold

Hair, nail and skin problems

What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?

The causes may be psychological, biological or social. One thing that all experts agree on is that food itself is not the cause. Early detection and treatment are necessary to prevent permanent damage to the heart, reproductive organs, and other internal organs.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and self-induced vomiting. Some of the same symptoms are present as with anorexia. Some people with anorexia later add symptoms of bulimia as an alternative way of controlling weight.If you suspect your student has an eating disorder, you may contact the Counseling & Testing Center to discuss options.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and other substance abuse is the leading cause of death in college-aged students, with 1,400 college student dying from alcohol related circumstances each year. Many students experiment with their newfound freedom by using alcohol and other chemicals, but many find it difficult to control their use. Just at the time that students are endeavoring to improve their lives by gaining an education, many are beginning or exaggerating a severe alcohol or substance abuse problem that may ruin their chances of an education and/or career of their choice. A recent study found that 12% of all college students meet the criteria for alcohol dependence, yet only 1.2% receive counseling or treatment for an alcohol problem while in college.

You may want to give the following list to your student so they are aware of some of the signs that they may be abusing substances. This list is also a good guide for you in noticing changes in behavior.

Abuse of substance may include:

increased frequency of use

loss of control over frequency, duration and/or amount of use

drinking or using when you don't intend to

substance use interferes with life activities (i.e. school, relationships with family and friends)

increased spending money on substance of choice

personality changes noted by self and others

getting into risky/dangerous behaviors

other people express concern about your use/ your behavior

grades dropping

missing classes and appointments

legal trouble (i.e., DUI)

If you feel your son or daughter is experiencing any of the above problems, we urge you to encourage them to visit the Counseling and Testing Center, the University Health Center, or the Dean of Students Office right away.

Counseling Services

What Happens When A Student Visits the First Time: The Counseling & Testing Center operates assessments throughout the week and is available to respond to psychological emergencies from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our telephone number is 541-346-3227.

Acessing our services:

1. Students call to schedule a brief telephone assessment with a therapist. These appointments typically occur within 24 hours.

2. Should the assessment therapist decide to schedule an additonal assessment, the student will be transfered to the front desk to make the appointment.

The therapist will evaluate the nature and severity of the problem, and together with the student, determine a course of action such as a few problem solving sessions, individual or couples counseling, group therapy, or referral to another university or community resource. Individual and couples counseling generally is offered on a short-term basis (i.e., one to ten sessions).

How Long Must Students Wait to Receive Therapy?

Students in crisis will receive immediate care. Otherwise, appointments are scheduled as soon as possible given the student's availability, concerns and resources. The Counseling Center is busiest at the end of each term and at the end of the year, and scheduling may be more difficult. As such, there is no typical timeline. Sometimes students are seen within a week, but other times it can take much longer. In these cases, the student's therapist from the phone or in-person assessment can direct them to community resources or suggest a community referral if the student has insurance.

What Resources and Services Can be Found at the Counseling Center?

Each term the Counseling & Testing Center offers a range of therapy groups which focus on such topics as anxiety, depression, test anxiety, homesickness, eating disorders, alcohol/drug recovery, relationship issues, the struggles of older students, graduate students, and international students, as well as sexual abuse and assault. A full listing of our services can be found under "Counseling and Services." Please consult our latest group brochure for a listing of current group therapy offerings. We also provide workshops and presentations for various campus organizations, and consult with family, administrators, faculty, and staff who are dealing with student issues and behaviors.

Referrals and Emergency Assistance

Department of Public Safety 24 Hours
Emergency 541-346-6666
Transportation 541-346-5444
Protection and transportation of enrolled students. This office is also the first contact if a student is suicidal or threatening.

Dean of Students Office
Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m
Pager via DPS evenings & week-ends This office is the first contact for parents who have concerns about their student. Staff are available to respond to emergencies 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The Dean of Students Office have experienced student affairs professionals and are available and willing to help you and your student. The Dean’s Consultation Committee and Conduct Office are housed in this office. Both intervene with conduct issues. Other programs include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Education and Support Services, Diversity Education and Support, Family Programs, Non-traditional Student Programs, Substance Abuse Prevention & Education and Sexual Violence Prevention & Education Program.

After-Hours Support and Crisis Line 541-346-3227
Available when Counseling Center is closed The After-Hours Support and Crisis Line is a telephone counseling service staffed by crisis line professionals who are available during the hours the Counseling Center is closed. The Counseling Center staff work closely with these professionals to give the best care during a students time of need.

University Counseling & Testing Center 541-346-3227
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. See the previous pages for a more extensive listing of services available at the Counseling & Testing Center. Individual and group therapy is seen as a private confidential service we provide for enrolled students. Unless your student is in danger or is putting someone else in danger, their therapy is a confidential contract between them and their therapist. Consequently we are not able to give out information that you, as parents, may wish to receive. Our staff is made up of licensed psychologist and counselors, and has an extensive training program for interns and practicum students, who are in a doctoral program.

University Health Center 541-346-4441Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Urgent Care: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
The Health Center provides medical and psychiatric evaluation and treatment for currently enrolled students. There are a number of doctors, psychiatrists, nurse and nurse practitioners who provide excellent health services to your student. The Dental Clinic is staffed by a dentist and dental hygienists who provides basic preventative dental services. A Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine department is staffed by physical therapists and athletic trainers. The UHC has a full service retail pharmacy that offers both over-the-counter and prescription items. A Medical Laboratory and X-ray Services are also available. Health Education Services provides health promotion and education services to students.